What are rodents?
Rodents live in large populations worldwide and are all part of the order Rodentia. Rodents are a very diverse group of mammals, with the smallest species weighing only a few ounces and the largest weighing over 100 pounds. While most rodents live outside in densely wooded areas, deserts, and tropical jungles well away from people, a handful of species have made themselves at home near people and in our homes and businesses.
In Southern California, the following species of rodents regularly call our properties home.
- Norway rats
- Roof rats
- Field mice
- House mice
Are rodents dangerous?
All rodents, no matter the species, have front incisors that continuously grow throughout their lives. They are constantly gnawing on objects to keep their teeth worn down and sharp. When rodents live in our homes and yards, their chewing habits will cause a lot of damage to personal items and the structural components of our homes.
Rodents and their teeth will damage wires, pipes, cables, flooring, walls, rugs, furniture, and landscaping. Often these habits lead to shorts circuits, fires, and leaking pipes.
While the destruction rodents cause when living on our properties is serious, the health risks they create are even more of a concern. Through their saliva, excrement, urine, and shed fur, they will contaminate surfaces and food. Hantavirus, leptospirosis, tularemia, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), and salmonella are all spread by rodents and can make people quite ill.
Adding insult to injury is the fact that you don't just have to worry about the rodents themselves spreading diseases; you also have to worry about the parasites (fleas and ticks) they carry on their backs that can also spread diseases.
Why do I have a rodent problem?
Rodents are a problem for people because they learned that our Orange County yards, homes, and businesses provide them with a variety of places to hide from hungry predators and plenty of food. Rodents have very high metabolisms and are constantly searching for food. As omnivores, they feed on a variety of foods, including many of the same foods we eat, and will forage from our:
- Trash cans
- Compost piles
- Gardens
- Pet food bowls
- Outdoor eating areas
- Kitchens
Where Will I Find Rodents?
Whether you call the suburbs or city home, rodents are near and won't hesitate to make your home into a nesting site.
Outside, rodents will live in and around docks, parks, alleys outside commercial buildings, and residential yards.
Norway rats are burrowers and live at or below ground level, nesting in woodpiles, dumpsters, gardens, and under foundations. When they get into homes or businesses, their poor climbing abilities force them to stay at ground level or in basements.
Roof rats are excellent climbers. They live up off the ground in shrubs, trees, or on the roof. Inside, these rodents prefer to nest inside attics, above cabinets, and along roof rafters.
House mice have learned to live very successfully indoors, making their nests in secluded areas behind wall voids and large appliances and inside attics and basements. Field mice like house mice also often find their way into our homes to nest but prefer rural areas instead of urban locations.
How can I prevent rodents in the future?
"Better For You. Better For The Planet." Trust Pacific Shore Pest Control to solve your pest problems. On top of our pest control services, help guard your property against rodents with the help of our easy to execute pest prevention tips.
The best way to avoid rodent problems is to take away sources of their number one attractant, which is food, from inside and outside your home.
- Pick up uneaten pet food each evening
- Keep outdoor eating areas free of leftover food
- Maintain garden areas
- Place lids on trash cans, compost containers, and recycling bins
- Keep kitchens clean by regularly vacuuming floors and wiping down counters
It is also important to remove sources of shelter and water from your property.
- Remove debris from your yard and home.
- Keep the grass cut short and cut back overgrown landscaping.
- Fill in your yard's ground holes.
- Keep your home free of excess clutter.
- Repair leaking pipes and fixtures.
How do I get rid of rodents?
Get rid of pests from your Orange County home with the help of the local, trusted professionals at Pacific Shore Pest Control. We want to help you protect what matters most to you: your family and your home. We provide pest control services that eliminate pests and keep them from returning through green and organic pest control solutions. Guarding people against pests, delivering eco-friendly and organic pest solutions, and providing exceptional customer service are our top priorities! To learn more about safeguarding your Orange County, CA home or business from rodents through our rodent control services, call Pacific Shore Pest Control today at (888) 621-3022!
What Pacific Shore Customers Have To Say
Pacific Shore Pest Control received an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews.
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Great work Ricardo."Ricardo is always very good at what he does. Always asking if we have had any problems and to notify him anytime we do. Great work Ricardo."- Ron M.
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Very satisfied with service."Very satisfied with service. We have seen a noticeable reduction in pests around our condo complex."- Mercene C.
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Tech was on time and very professional."Tech was on time and very professional. He was also very respectful of property and throughout in his inspection."- Yanine F.
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Very appreciative of his help."Josh arrived on time. He thoroughly treated all areas of concern and made sure to clean up thoroughly afterwards as well. Very appreciative of his help."- Nano M.
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I'm super happy with this company!"I'm super happy with this company! Mario has been servicing my place and is super kind, polite, and efficient. Thank you so much!"- Jen M.
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I'm impressed with the quality of service."The service was great and everything was explained very clearly. I've tried multiple companies over the years and I'm impressed with the quality of service."- Alex G.
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